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francisdrakex β Deep Space Transport commissioning
#deep #orion #space
Published: 2018-02-03 14:12:14 +0000 UTC; Views: 3511; Favourites: 39; Downloads: 25
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Description
With the Earth rising in the background the Deep Space Transport (DST) is preparing for a year-long commissioning flight. A crew of four astronauts has arrived with an Orion capsule. They will use the chemical thrusters of the DST to leave lunar orbit. Later on they will switch to the ion thrusters and leave them on for nearly a year, to test their endurance for a Mars flight.Β The test flight will reach out a million kilometers away from Earth, relying on onboard systems alone.Related content
Comments: 11
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Nearly a year... outside of Earth magnetic field... without even a "shadow" shield? RIP
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Radiation protection is a good point. I guess it will be part of the concept studies currently ongoing.
There may be powered coils in the habitat walls against charged particles, and a multi-layered water-wall design against gamma radiation. In case of a solar flare I would point the heaviest part - the drive section - towards the sun and put as much mass as possible between the radiation source and the crew.
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I would be surprised(and massively dissapointed. If not outright outraged
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Eww, Orion! Eww, Ion Engines!... I love it!Β
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What are the living facilities like?Β
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The basic element is the power module with the solar panels, chemical and ion engines. The actual living module is the central ISS-derived habitat, with a diameter of 4.5 m, about 8 m long. On the front end is the logistics module with docking ports. The docked Orion capsule would provide control facilities, some additional living space and a toilet.
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Awfully tight quarters for a year of habitation. What measures have been taken to keep the crew functioning?Β
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From what has been published, five companies are tasked to develop habitat concepts, among them Boeing and Lockheed Martin. It will be necessary to give the crew something to do, scientific work as well as sports and housekeeping.Β
The crew members might also be selected to a different psychological profile. Staying indoors and watching movies all day long might be preferable over active outdoorsmen continously up for new challenges.
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